The 2016 Spark is completely updated from the current model. It’s longer and lower than before, with tasteful styling that’s a welcome departure from the current car’s cartoonish styling.

It also has a lowered driving position and updated interior materials and styling. The myLink infotainment system will handle both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay using a 7-inch touchscreen interface.

The best upgrade, though, is under the hood. The Spark’s four-cylinder engine now displaces 1.4 liters and makes 98 horsepower. That may not sound like a lot, but it should be plenty to move the small city car with ease. The increased grunt is channeled to the front wheels through a standard five-speed manual or optional CVT automatic.

Chevrolet did not say whether or not the RS concept features more power than the standard Spark. But with the lowered suspension and 17-inch wheels, the RS should be a capable handler. When matched with the five-speed manual, the RS may be one of the sleeper cars of the year, should it go into production.

The SEMA Show takes place from November 3 to November 6 in Las Vegas. TFLcar will be at the event and will be providing full coverage.

John’s love of cars started an early age. He bought his first issue of Road & Track at age 12, and has wanted to be an automotive writer ever since. He believes in the old adage that it’s more fun to drive a slow car fast than a fast car slow. When not writing about cars, John is a professional computer geek and lives with his wife and dogs on the high plains of Wyoming.